The more we let God take us over, the more truly ourselves we become—because He made us. He invented us. He invented all the different people that you and I were intended to be… It is when I turn to Christ, when I give myself up to His personality, that I first begin to have a real personality of my own. — C.S. Lewis It’s not easy trying to explain to children that Christ lives in their hearts. Undoubtedly, there is always that literal child who wants to know how Christ fits there. Why did He choose her heart and not her ears so she can hear Him? Can He cause her heart to explode? As I try to explain all the complications of a heart-dweller, I end up entering into a theological conversation far above her level. She walks away perplexed. And I walk away amazed. Because that child was right. Jesus doesn’t live in her heart. That’s taking the incredible gift of the Holy Spirit and compressing it, compacting it, to manageable size. The essence of indwelling is that Jesus, the second person of the Trinity, indwells us – lives in me – through the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity. The Creator indwells my spirit, influences my soul, and impacts my body... ...And I no longer live, but Christ lives in me (Galatians 2:20). The Greek for “in” means to rest and settle down. Paul could have chosen another Greek word, eis, which means to move into, but he didn’t. He chose en. If you are in Christ, then Christ is in you. His Spirit has come to rest in you. He’s settled in you. God Himself lives in you. This is reconciliation so complete it’s unity. Can your mind understand the implications? You never again have to ask for help as though Jesus and you were two separate entities. You are one. His life is your life. You persevere in His strength. You love with His love. And in Him, you have found yourself. And as it turns out, you resemble a little of your Father. Lord, not only do You live in me, but You love me. You want to settle here. You call me home. What grace! Fill me to full and overflowing, Lord. So I spill this grace onto those around me. So all will know there’s no containing You. Amen. Listen to Pete, Jill & Stuart Briscoe on the Telling the Truth broadcast at OnePlace
Posted on: Thu, 12 Jun 2014 13:55:14 +0000
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